About Salk

Mission Statement

Every cure has a starting point. Like Dr. Jonas Salk when he conquered polio, Salk scientists are dedicated to innovative biological research. Exploring the molecular basis of diseases makes curing them more likely. In an outstanding and unique environment we gather the foremost scientific minds in the world and give them the freedom to work collaboratively and think creatively. For over 50 years this wide-ranging scientific inquiry has yielded life-changing discoveries impacting human health. We are home to Nobel Laureates and members of the National Academy of Sciences who train and mentor the next generation of international scientists. We lead biological research. We prize discovery. Salk is where cures begin.

Background

Dr. Jonas Salk, developer of the polio vaccine, established the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. His goal was to create an institute that would serve as a "crucible for creativity" to pursue questions about the basic principles of life. He wanted biologists and others to work together to explore the wider implications of their discoveries for the future of humanity.

In 1959, Salk and architect Louis Kahn began a unique partnership to design a truly distinguished research facility. The March of Dimes, which has generously continued to support the Salk Institute over its history, provided the seed money. The San Diego City Council gifted the land where the facility is built — a decision that was overwhelmingly approved and affirmed by the people of San Diego in a special referendum.

Today, the Salk Institute conducts its biological research under the guidance of 59 faculty investigators. It employs a scientific staff of more than 850, including visiting scientists, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students. Recruited throughout the world, this group receives advice from nine distinguished nonresident fellows — influential scientists at similar institutions throughout the world.

The major areas of study at Salk are: molecular biology and genetics, neurosciences, and plant biology. Salk research provides new understanding and potential new therapies and treatments for a range of diseases—from cancer, AIDS and Alzheimer's disease, to cardiovascular disorders, anomalies of the brain and birth defects. Discoveries by plant biologists at the Salk pave the way to improving the quality and quantity of the world's food supply and to addressing pressing environmental problems, including global warming.

With the completion of the Human Genome Project and the emergence of new research technologies and approaches, the Salk Institute is strengthening its existing programs while also moving in exciting new directions. Six key areas represent strategic research priorities: chemistry and proteomics; stem cell biology; cell biology; regulatory biology; metabolic research; and computational and theoretical biology.

The Salk Institute consistently ranks among the leading research institutions in the world for its faculty's contributions and the impact of their findings. The Institute has trained more than 2,700 scientists, many of whom have gone on to positions of leadership in other prominent research centers worldwide. Five scientists trained at the Institute have won Nobel prizes. Salk is home to nine Howard Hughes Medical Investigators and 14 members of the National Academy of Sciences.

Jonas Salk's vision, coupled with the hard work and dedication of former and present Salk investigators, has resulted in a unique environment where scientific discoveries have an important impact on our understanding of human health.

In recognition of the hazards caused by tobacco, the Institute is a tobacco-free environment. Use of tobacco products in any form and use of unregulated nicotine products (e.g., "e-cigarettes"), is prohibited on all Salk Institute property, facilities, grounds, vehicles, parking lots and structures owned or leased by the Institute. Organizations wishing to rent Institute facilities will be advised of this policy and must agree to abide by it.